Peugeot call it quits

Peugeot have announced that they have decided to withdraw from all endurance racing with immediate effect.

Last Updated: 18/01/12 5:33pm

Peugeot: Has ended its endurance racing programme with immediate effect

Peugeot have announced that they have decided to withdraw from all endurance racing with immediate effect.

The decision comes as a major shock as the French team have been frontrunners at the Le Mans 24 Hours in recent years with their 908 diesel prototypes, winning the famous race in 2009.

The news also serves as a major blow to the FIA's new World Endurance Championship, which is due to make a return in 2012.

Peugeot won last year's inaugural Intercontinental Le Mans Cup, which from this season becomes the WEC.

"This decision has been taken in the context of a difficult economic environment in Europe," a statement from Peugeot read.

"Peugeot has chosen to concentrate resources on its sales performance in 2012."

Audi are now left as the main manufacturer in the WEC, which includes the blue riband Le Mans event, as although Toyota are embarking on their own sportscar programme this year, they will not be contesting the full campaign.

The eight-round WEC is scheduled to start on March 17 with the 12 Hours of Sebring in the United States.

Britain's Anthony Davidson was due to drive for Peugeot this year but the former Formula One driver now finds himself without a team.